Police poured into a tiny Folkestone cul-de-sac last night in their hunt for a knifeman.

They arrived after reports a man had assaulted someone and had a knife.

Officers were called to Edward Road at 8.30pm yesterday and neighbours told of waves of officers arriving with a police dog and steel battering ram.

One woman resident, who did not want to be named, said: "At first I saw four police running down the road, then a police van arrived and more officers got out.

"Then a police car arrived. I saw they had one dog and one of the officers was carrying a battering ram although I didn't see it being used."

Police were unable to find the suspect, but found a knife when they searched the area.

A Kent Police spokesman said: "Patrols were dispatched to the scene but the suspect could not be located. Officers are currently pursuing lines of inquiry."